MADISON, WI (WSAU-WRN) — The projected $6.6 billion state budget surplus is expected to be a point of contention between the Republican-controlled legislature and Democratic Governor Tony Evers next year.
State Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu told a crowd at a WisPolitics luncheon that he and others would like to use the windfall to drive down the state’s top tax rates, saying it would help Wisconsin compete for jobs and business while also helping small businesses. “We definitely need to drive down our top rates you know we’re sort of an island with our top tax rate here in Wisconsin. We need to drive that down and beat our neighbors.”
The Republican said the surplus provided the opportunity for “transformational” tax reform and added that the GOP isn’t just trying to spend the money. He also said he doesn’t want the money to be a “blank check” for Governor Evers.
Some on the Republican side have called for a flat tax or the elimination of the state income tax altogether, the latter of which was proposed by Republican Rebecca Kleefisch during her campaign for Governor this summer.
Evers has already used a special session to propose a statewide tax refund and additional money for education. That was gaveled in and gaveled out with no action by lawmakers.
The two sides did reportedly discuss the issue earlier this week, though it’s not clear if they’ve come to any agreement on what to do with the cash.
